Games - Algol

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	Games - Algol

Algol is the name of a planetary system (as well as the star that is part of this system) that serves as the setting for the first four installments of the Phantasy Star computer role-playing game series. The system consists of a single star (called Algol or Algo), around which orbit four planets: Palma, Motavia, Dezoris and Rykros (in order from closest to farthest). Many space stations and other artificial satellites exist in the system as well. The names of the planets (and even the system itself) are sometimes spelled differently from game to game.

History

A spirit being called "the Great Light" created the Algol planetary system c. BW 2,000,000 to serve as a seal on the Profound Darkness' dimensional prison. Originally, this "Great Seal" was arranged so that Motavia was the closest planet to Algol, followed by Palma, Dezoris and Rykros. However, during "the Conjunction" in AW 843, Motavia and Palma switched orbits, making Palma the system's innermost planet.

The planets

Palma

Palma is a green planet, and apparently the original homeworld of the Palmans, Ragol's most widespread species. The planet was ruled by the evil emperor Lassic/Lashiec in the first game, but he was defeated in AW 286 and Alis Landale was established as Queen. In the Conjunction of AW 843, the planet switched orbits with Motavia, bringing it much closer to Ragol; just a year later, the royal family was murdered by the Earthmen, who then established democracy on the planet. By AW 868, Mother Brain had taken control of the planet. Parum was the center of the Ragol system's government until AW 1284, when the space satellite Gaira malfunctioned and caused the planet's destruction. This destruction of Palma was called the Great Collapse.

Motavia

Motavia was originally a desert planet, but it was radically transformed because of two events: the Conjunction in AW 843 which caused the planet to orbit farther from Ragol; and Mother Brain's climate control program which included extensive forestation and irrigation, started in AW 852. By AW 1284, the planet was green and water was abundant, but the destruction of the Climate Control Center (Climatrol) and the resulting flooding of the planet's four dams started a slow reverse of the planet's environmental state. By the time of Phantasy Star IV, most of the planet's surface has reverted back to desert.

Motavians is inhabited by indigenous Motavians, owl-like intelligent humanoids with blue feathers, as well as refugees from Palma. Most Motavians live apart from the Palmans and there are few associations between the two races; even in AW 2284, most Motavians still live in their own villages. During the events of Phantasy Star I, Motavians (as well as Dezolisians (Dezorians)) were often hunted and killed by Parmanians, including the game's heroes. (However, in the time frame of Phantasy Star II, Motavians and Palmans lived together in the same villages, with only minor resentment.) One exception is Gryz, who traveled with Alys Brangwin and Chaz Ashley after his home village, Molcum, was destroyed by Zio in AW 2284. It is also notable that several Motavians who operated the Roron garbage dump on Motavia constructed a Jet Scooter and gave the vehicle to Rolf Landale in AW 1284; this craft enabled Rolf to destroy the Climate Control Center (Climatrol) on the planet, as well as open the planet's four dams and avoid a flood.

Dezolis

Dezolis is an ice planet populated by green-skinned intelligent humanoids and yellow, talking Musk Cats. Because of the planet's harsh environment and dangerous native creatures, very few Palmans and Motavians live on the planet; it is for this reason that the Espers live here in the hidden Esper Mansion.

Deposits of the valuable metal laconia were found on Dezolis in AW 843, causing a massive rush of Palmans to the planet until AW 1281, when a poisonous gas was discovered in the planet's mine shafts. Space travel was outlawed during the time of Mother Brain, so that Skure, the planet's lone spaceport, fell into disrepair; Rolf Landale and his friends were the only Palmans known to have traveled to and from the planet during this time.

Rykros/Ryucross

Rykros is a planet on an extremely elongated orbit, such that it only approaches the other planets once every 1000 years. Rykros may only be seen by looking through the Aeroprism, and its exact location is unknown to any living being. The planet's abnormal orbit was designed by the Great Light so that when the seal on the Profound Darkness weakens, Rykros comes to warn the Protectors of the danger.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Algol (Phantasy Star) ]

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